Modernism in Sao Paolo: Marcio Kogan's Chimney House

Marcio Kogan’s Chimney House in the sprawling city of Sao Paolo , Brazil, is an example of architecture with an uncompromising modernist conception of space and attention to detail. The lesson learned: simple beauty exists in purity. With his careful choice of materials and discerning articulation of textures, Kogan (he's the founder of Studio MK27, one of Brazil’s leading architecture firms) created a home with multiple readings of what can be construed as inside or outside; changing continuously in response to Sao Paolo’s notoriously unreliable weather. It's a modernist take on contextualism. Photography by Reinaldo Coser and Gabriel Arantes via ArchDaily . Above: There is a strong emphasis on horizontality throughout the house: note the window opening, the coursing of the narrow wooden formed concrete, and the planks of the wood decking. Above: The lush greenery of Sao Paolo's humid subtropical climate is encouraged to grow on the building and become part of the architectural landscape. Above: Full-height sliding glass doors, which run the length of the living/dining area, create a dissolving distinction between inside and outside. The entire ceiling plane is made of one material; narrow wooden formed concrete. Above: When both sets of doors are open; the space flows seamlessly between the interior and exterior (it's difficult to tell if you are inside or outside). Above: The low ceiling of the living room creates a sense of coziness as it contrasts with the limitless height of the sky outside. Above: Kogan's previous career as a film director is evident in the dramatic nighttime lighting. Above: The wood deck is reflected in the narrow wood-formed concrete ceiling. Above: A wooden deck with trees extends out seamlessly from the living/dining area. Above: The lights of Sao Paolo's office buildings shine beyond. Above: The entry to Chimney House is a study in shifting planes and textures.